Virus-free Sierra Leone shuts borders after Guinea, Liberia closures

Virus-free Sierra Leone announced closure of its borders for a 30-day period barely days after President Julius Maada Bio announced a state of public health emergency.

According to reports, the measure was to keep out the coronavirus which has engulfed all of West Africa except for Sierra Leone. The country tested two cases which turned out to be negative.

“I have directed the military to immediately deploy to our international airport and land crossing points in order to enhance security, and support compliance with all public health directives advisories,” Maada Bio said.

The border closures come in the wake of same action taken by neighbours Guinea and Liberia. Guinea president Alpha Conde declared a state of emergency also for 30-days over the virus.

The closure will last for a renewable period of 30 days, except cargo vehicles which will be limited to two apprentices & a driver. They’ll be subjected to a 14-day surveillance by both countries on entry and exit.

All learning institutions & entertainment centers have been closed for 14 days, as have churches & mosques. All cultural events have been prohibited.

Liberia is currently in a lockdown over the pandemic. The three countries were at the heart of the Ebola epidemic that killed thousands years ago.